What is vanadium? Why do we need it?
                    Vanadium is a trace element that is absorbed in the intestines 
                    and stored in the liver and bones. It helps to normalize blood 
                    sugar imbalances and increases the metabolism and conversion 
                    of glucose into lipids. 
Although it has yet to be recognized 
                    as an essential nutrient for humans, vanadium is believed 
                    to play an important role in the formation of bones and teeth.
                  
Some experts believe vanadium reduces blood pressure and 
                    aids in the increase of muscle tissue. A form of vanadium, 
                    vanadyl sulfate, may improve the utilization of glucose in 
                    individuals with type-II diabetes. However, other studies 
                    have refuted this research; furthermore, many studies have 
                    shown that it does not help people with type-I diabetes.
                  How much vanadium should I take?
                    
                    At present, there are no recommended daily allowances or requirements 
                    for vanadium. Some experts believe 10 micrograms is an adequate 
                    daily amount; the average Western diet provides 15-30 micrograms 
                    of vanadium per day.
                  What are some good sources of vanadium? 
                    What forms are available?
                  While there is no one significant source of vanadium, it 
                    can be found in very small amounts in a variety of foods, 
                    including cereals, mushrooms, parsley, corn, soy products, 
                    gelatin, and some forms of seafood. Vanadium supplements are 
                    also available, either in powder or capsule form.
                  What can happen if I don't get enough 
                    vanadium? What can happen if I take too much? Are there any 
                    side-effects I should be aware of?
                  Animal studies have shown that vanadium deficiency can have 
                    a number of adverse effects, including impaired growth, bone 
                    deformities and infertility; these results have not been duplicated 
                    in human subjects. Anecdotal reports of health care and government 
                    workers exposed to large amounts of vanadium have demonstrated 
                    a possible link to manic depression and other mental disorders, 
                    but the meaning of these conditions has yet to be effectively 
                    determined.
                  Chromium and vanadium may interfere with the absorption of 
                    one another. In addition, tobacco smoke may decrease the absorption 
                    of vanadium. As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions 
                    with vanadium.
                 
		 
                  References
                  
                    - Aharon Y, Mevorach M, Shamoon H. Vanadyl 
                      sulfate does not enhance insulin action in patients with 
                      type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care 1998;21:2194.
 
                    - Boden G, Chen X, Ruiz J, et al. Effects 
                      of vanadyl sulfate on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism 
                      in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. 
                      Metab Clin Exp 1996;45(9):11305.
 
                    - Chakraborty A, Ghosh R, Roy K, et al. 
                      Vanadium: A modifier of drug metabolizing enzyme patterns 
                      and its critical role in cellular proliferation in transplantable 
                      murine lymphoma. Oncology 1995;52:3104.
 
                    - Domingo JL, Schuhmacher M, Agramunt MC, 
                      Muller L, Neugebauer F. Levels of metals and organic substances 
                      in blood and urine of workers at a new hazardous waste incinerator. 
                      Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2001 May;74(4):263-9.
 
                    - Wang J, Yuen VG, McNeill JH. Effect of 
                      vanadium on insulin sensitivity and appetite. Metabolism 
                      2001 Jun;50(6):667-73.